The landscape is spectacular, but at the moment, it’s hard to enjoy it. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven a car, and these steep curves and narrow roads are reminding me why I prefer to walk. The first thing I’ll do when I arrive in town is kiss the ground and maybe search for a home to stay forever, because there’s no way I’m driving back again.
What if I rent a bike and ride all the way back to Portland? Walking would take me more than a day and I’m not sure if this area is bear free. Are bears awake in May?
This trip better be worth the hassle. All the things I could do with— What is it that they’re going to give me? Who cares? I’ll put it to good use.
Right when I’m thinking of what I could do with the money I might inherit, my phone rings. It’s a good thing I listened to the guy at the rental car agency and connected the Bluetooth.
“Blaire speaking,” I say, as I push the answer button on the steering wheel.
“Hey, Boss,” Victoria, my right-hand and best friend, greets me. “Are you in Baker’s Creek yet?”
“No. According to my phone, I should arrive there soon. But soon is relative, since I’m driving at turtle speed.”
She laughs. “You should’ve hired a car service or let me do it for you. You’re a shitty driver.”
No kidding. I learned to drive at seventeen. I didn’t have much practice during college because I didn’t own a car. Back then, my boyfriend let me drive his truck, but not too often—he was afraid I’d smash it against a light pole. After graduation, I moved back to San Francisco, choosing to walk or use public transportation. It’s good for the environment and the other drivers.
When I travel, there’s always a designated driver who knows the area better than me.
“Someone has to stay behind in case I don’t make it out of here alive,” I say jokingly, kind of.
“It can’t be that bad.”
“Oh, but it is,” I argue, sounding dramatic, because she doesn’t know who I’m about to meet and the story between the Aldridge family and me. Or how long has it been since the last time I had any contact with William … or Hayes.
Twelve years.
“Why are you even going then?”
“According to the lawyer who contacted me, this guy left me some money. We could use it, Tori.”
I sigh. If anyone who doesn’t know me heard me say that, they’d think I’m a gold digger who’s just been waiting for the old guy to die. I’m not. In all honesty, I haven’t thought about William in a long time. Ultimately, the money is going to whatever project needs it the most.
“That’s true. Your to-do list is getting longer, and our benefactors’ list has decreased. I told you we should try a charity event.”
She’s always full of great ideas, but they require an initial investment I can’t afford. Let’s just hope this inheritance is real. This is exactly why I’m eating my pride and setting up my mind into survival mode. Entering the Aldridges’ world is like willingly diving into the Amazon river. There’s no way to avoid the piranhas, black caimans, or anacondas. There’s little hope to make it out alive.
Should I tell Victoria to send a rescue team if I’m not home by tomorrow?
Hopefully, that’s not the case. Vance, one of the youngest brothers, is going to be there. He and I are on good terms. If someone can take down his siblings, it’d be him. He’s a former army captain—at least that’s what he tells me. Everything he does is classified.
Not that I need him to fight my battles. I can take care of myself. Am I anxious because Hayes might be there?
How could I not be?
He was my first everything until, one day, he decided he didn’t love me. That man did a number on me. I fell for him so hard and so fast. He became my universe, and then one day, poof. He decided to push me away. Metaphorically speaking, he threw me into a black hole and forgot all about me. The last time we saw each other he was cruel, distant, and hateful. I’m not in love with him, but my heart never quite recovered from what happened between us. The pangs of pain happen often—if not daily. I don’t think they’ll ever go away; they’ll stay right next to the love I’ll always have for him.
There are things in life that are impossible to forget, like your first love and your soulmate, no matter how painful it is to remember.
As the exit to Baker’s Creek comes in to view, so does a sign that says, Welcome to Baker’s Creek. Home of the best… Find Out.
I push the break and read the sign again. Thankfully, there’s no one driving behind me, or this reckless move would’ve caused an accident. I read it again. It’s new, or at least twelve years old. Who put that in there? It really reads Find out.
I’m not sure how to feel about that sign. Is it a warning or ... why would they have that?
The best serial killers, the best blackberry pie, the best … I’ll figure it out and suggest they change it. I’m good at playing chess, puzzles, and solving mysteries.
Following the instructions of the navigation system, I continue down the road and then turn left toward the bridge. The lake is beautiful, and the view of Mt. Hood makes it magical. It’s as if you leave the world behind, and you enter into a new dimension. The evergreens surround the area. I spot maple trees too and a variety of flowers. Like red currant, red columbines, and a trail of lavender that extends toward the east. I wonder how far the resort is since the snowed mountain looks farther than I remember.
“Blaire, are you still there?”
“Yes, sorry I was—”
“Daydreaming, I know,” she answers. “I’ll leave you to it. Call me when you are settled in and know more about your new net worth.”
“It wouldn’t be mine,” I clarify. “I’m poor as a country mouse. The last time I checked, I had about thirty dollars on my savings account. Not enough to pay rent, in case you’re going to ask me for it.”
I’m thankful that the legal firm that represents William paid for my ticket, or I couldn’t have afforded the trip—or this car. I even flew in first class. Do they need me here that badly? The lawyer said, “There are a lot of futures at stake, and the Aldridge brothers can’t do it without you.”
“Good thing I’m leasing your room to a doctor who works at San Fran Medical,” she laughs. “That’s code for: you are staying on the couch until your next trip.”
“That sounds like a plan,” I answer absently.
“Yep, you’re not even paying attention. Drive safe, Blaire.”
The place makes me want to extend my stay to explore the area.
As I drive along the narrowed road, I’m in awe by the look of the historical buildings. It’s a mix of the old west and the Victorian era. Nothing has changed much, but I feel like now that I’m older, I appreciate the architecture and the vegetation a lot more than I did when I first came to visit.
I remember Hayes telling me the Aldridges founded this back in the late eighteen hundreds. They owned most of the town. I wonder if that’s still the case. Wouldn’t it be wild if they say, you’ve inherited the town since the sons don’t give a fuck about it?
I can see the six brothers fighting over the money, the assets, and the companies outside this magical place.